Mexican Chicken Spaghetti
Mexican chicken spaghetti is a delicious and festive dinner that your whole family will love.
Mexican chicken spaghetti is a delicious and festive dinner that your whole family will love.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons butter
- cooking spray
- 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 1/2 cup chicken stock or broth
- 8 ounces dry spaghetti pasta cooked to package instructions and drained ((half a 1 pound pack
- 1 bell pepper, diced ((any color - i used green))
- 1/2 cup milk any type ((i used 2%))
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt ((you can sub 1/4 teaspoon garlic + 1
- 1 can ro-tele tomatoes with green chiles (mild, 10 ounc
- 1 pound chicken thighs or breasts, cooked and shredded or
- 1 cup shredded mexican four cheese blend ((i have used
- Carbohydrate 5.66161287545342 g
- Cholesterol 17.2515625082312 mg
- Fat 6.51419123035123 g
- Fiber 0.477625523744935 g
- Protein 1.45078821756886 g
- Saturated Fat 4.04071028849779 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (177g)
- Sodium 72.1039515197839 mg
- Sugar 5.18398735170848 g
- Trans Fat 0.497608536703494 g
- Calories 86 calories
Step-by-step
- Add some cooking spray to a large non-stick pan or dutch oven, and preheat over medium-low heat.
- Add onions and bell peppers to the pan, and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add the butter to the pan (leave the peppers and onions in there), and let it melt.
- Sprinkle the flour, and stir to incorporate.
- After about a minute or two, add the chicken stock, milk garlic salt and pepper, and stir to incorporate.
- Stir often (almost continuously) to avoid scorching. The sauce will thicken pretty quickly, after a minute or 2.
- Turn off the stove, remove from heat, and add the undrained ro-tele tomatoes with green chilis, stirring to combine.
- Toss the sauce and veggies with the cooked shredded chicken and cooked/drained spaghetti pasta.
- Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish, sprayed with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Sprinkle cheese on top, and bake at 375 until cheese is melted, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Remove from oven, and let sit 5 minutes or so.
- Serve and enjoy!
My Take on a Classic Comfort Food: Mexican Chicken Spaghetti
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal for my family can be a real challenge. Weeknights are often a whirlwind of school pickups, homework help, and the general chaos of family life. But even amidst the madness, I still believe in the power of a home-cooked meal. It’s a way to connect with my family, share stories, and create lasting memories around the dinner table. That’s why I'm always on the lookout for recipes that are both flavorful and easy to prepare – recipes that won't leave me stressed out in the kitchen while simultaneously satisfying everyone's palates. This Mexican Chicken Spaghetti recipe fits the bill perfectly.
This isn't your grandma's spaghetti; oh no, this recipe is a vibrant, flavourful fiesta on a plate! It’s a delightful blend of familiar comfort and exciting zest, a dish that's both simple to make and incredibly satisfying. The creamy, cheesy sauce is the star, a comforting hug on a chilly evening. It’s luscious and rich, a perfect complement to the tender chicken and perfectly cooked spaghetti. I love adding a touch of spice with the Rotel tomatoes and green chilis – just enough to tantalize the taste buds without overwhelming the dish. It's the perfect balance of savory and slightly spicy, a taste everyone in my family enjoys. The best part? The cleanup is minimal, leaving me with more time to enjoy the meal with my loved ones.
Why this recipe works:
- Speed and Simplicity: It’s a one-pan wonder (mostly!), minimizing dish washing and maximizing efficiency. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table quickly.
- Adaptability: Feel free to customize it to your liking! Swap the chicken for ground beef or turkey. Use different types of cheese or add your favorite vegetables. It’s a versatile recipe that caters to different tastes and dietary preferences.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is a guaranteed hit with everyone, from picky eaters to adventurous foodies. It’s the kind of recipe that disappears quickly, leaving everyone wanting more.
- Make-Ahead Potential: You can prep the ingredients ahead of time, making it even easier on busy days. The sauce can be made ahead, and the pasta cooked and stored separately, ready to be combined and baked when needed.
I’ve found that this recipe is also incredibly versatile. One night I might make it with a blend of cheeses—Monterey Jack, cheddar, and pepper jack are all wonderful options. Another night, I might add some black beans or corn for extra texture and nutrients. It’s also fantastic served alongside a simple side salad for a complete and well-balanced meal. The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability – it's a blank canvas for your culinary creativity!
So, whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this Mexican Chicken Spaghetti recipe is a must-try. It’s a delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. And who doesn't love a recipe that tastes fantastic and leaves you with more time to enjoy the company of your loved ones? Give it a try, and let me know what you think in the comments below! I’d love to hear about your culinary adventures and any twists you add to this already fabulous recipe.
